​Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, at the opening ceremony of ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair today (August 29):
Mr Chau (Co-founder of the ART021 Group, Mr David Chau), Adrian (Chairman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, Dr Adrian Cheng), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am most delighted to join you all at the opening ceremony of ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair.
Originating from Shanghai in 2013, ART021 has successfully developed into a prestigious art event over the past 11 years. Today, I'm glad to welcome its first debut in Hong Kong, bringing together almost 90 galleries and projects from 13 countries and regions from across Asia. One of the highlights of this Hong Kong edition, is the feature on galleries and artists from the Belt and Road countries and the Greater Bay Area, bringing about unique art communication and inspirations. I'm glad to know that the event has attracted over 20 000 enrolments, and quite a lot of them are from visitors outside Hong Kong. ART021 has no doubt helped reinforce Hong Kong's unique position in international exchange of arts and culture and the status as international art trading centre.
With its main venue in the West Kowloon Cultural District, ART021 has creatively connected cultural icons over the city, and set up public art exhibitions in Victoria Park and Fringe Club, providing interactive and immersive art experiences to not only the general public in Hong Kong but also visitors from abroad.
The Government has been actively promoting arts and culture, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. ART021 Hong Kong is supported by our Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. I believe that this art fair will inject new energy into the art ecosystem of Hong Kong and further promote development of arts and culture.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organiser, supporting partners and all the participants. I wish ART021 Hong Kong a resounding success, and all guests an enjoyable tour of arts. Thank you.
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